Allianz Stadium: Environment watchdog, tour operators battle over concert cap limits

The state’s environment watchdog has put the damper on plans to lift the Allianz Stadium concert cap due to ‘intrusive noise’ impacts – but a major tour operator has warned Sydney could lose more big events if the limit isn’t scrapped.

A NSW Government agency has put the damper on Premier Chris Minns’ plans to lift the concert cap at Allianz Stadium – but a major tour operator has warned Sydney is at risk of losing more big-name events if the current limit isn’t scrapped.

Plans to allow more concerts and events to be staged at the SCG precinct have sparked stiff resistance from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) over concerns it could result in “intrusive” noise impacts for nearby residents.

The state government has committed to lifting the concert cap from an average of four to 20 events per year in a move it says will reinvigorate Sydney’s entertainment offerings.

Venues NSW, which has lodged the official application, said lifting the cap would bring Allianz in line with comparable stadiums in Melbourne and Brisbane.

The planned changes also include a curfew exemption to allow for the annual mardi gras after-party to be hosted within the stadium.

Venues NSW has applied to lift the Allianz Stadium concert cap.

But the EPA – which oversees noise limits for the stadium – said there had been “limited assessments” by Venues NSW on the “intensification of increased concert numbers” and subsequent noise impacts.

The EPA also called for potential noise limits to be put in place for the Mardi Gras after-party to address “sleep disturbance” impacts on residents living near the stadium.

The stadium hosts a range of sport and concert events.

“The proposed increase in events represents a significant increase, particularly considering the close proximity of (homes) compared with other stadiums,” the EPA states.

“While there may be additional activities occurring in the local area for the Mardi Gras celebrations, not all residents will be participating.

“Additional intrusive noise sources during Mardi Gras could justify a stricter noise limit for the stadium.”

The EPA’s assessment comes as major tour operator Frontier Touring warns the current cap has left Sydney missing out on big-name tours including by Coldplay and Billy Joel which have scheduled their 2023 Australian tour dates in Perth and Melbourne.

A photo of the Elton John concert at Allianz this year. Photo: Ben Gibson. © 2023 HST Global Limited. Rocket Entertainment

“The additional economic and cultural benefits these large stadium concerts bring will be lost to the local economy if the current concert limit remains,” Frontier Touring chief commercial officer Andrew Spencer said.

According to Venues NSW, the increase in concerts was “not anticipated to result in any additional disturbances”.

Venues NSW states the Mardi Gras after-party would also only occur once a year and there was “already significant noise” occurring within the precinct as a result of the main event.

Allianz Stadium was opened in August last year.

Premier Chris Minns has supported lifting the concert cap, saying the government was committed to “bringing the world’s best artists back to the world’s best city”.

But some residents have lobbied against lifting the cap due to potential impacts including noise, traffic, parking and anti-social behaviour.

The venue has hosted concerts from performers including Bruno Mars.

Will Mrongoviu, convener of the Paddington-Darlinghurst Community Group, said lifting the cap would become a “nightmare” for the community.

“Residents accept Allianz Stadium is part of the deal when you live in the area but you don’t expect for there to be a continual increase in the number of events,” he said.

The plan to lift the concert caps including allowing sound checks to be carried out to 10pm, rather than the current 7pm limit, and doubling maximum concert lengths to 10 hours to allow for up to two ‘Live Aid’ style events per year.

The proposal to lift the cap is currently being assessed by the Department of Planning.

Venues NSW declined to comment further on the EPA assessment.